Parenting is a moving clock, but the hour and minute hands rotate together slowly – at the beginning. Then, as your kids get older, the hour and minutes start to get farther and farther apart. And before you know it, parenting goes from knowing everything about your kids to wanting to know everything about your kids. Even when it comes to something as simple watching TV shows and movies, sometimes, your kids choose to be on their own.
The love a parent has for their kid(s) should always be an unbreakable link – a desire to see our kids happy, healthy, and safe – however, as kids get older, their desire for independence in their activities grows, and those moments of connection (or being in the same space) get fewer and far between. It’s a sad revelation, but the desire to stay connected never dissipates. If my daughter (age 12) asks me to watch a funny scene on a TV show, then I’m right there.
As my kids have gotten older, that unbreakable link hasn’t broken; it just feels like a bit of distance has formed between the start and end point of that bond. Instead of having family time in the same room, the door is shut to an adjacent room as one or both kids watch something on their own. My son (age 11) still enjoys playing board games with me (Shout-out to Marvel Champions presently!), as well as sharing his Pokémon drawings and wrist bands he’s made. It doesn’t feel like that link is quite as far as with my daughter.
There’s a great line from 10 Things I Hate About You, and I’m not saying it’s entirely accurate, but the sentiment does hit harder now than it did a couple years earlier.
“You know fathers don’t like to admit it when their daughters are capable of running their own lives. It means we’ve become spectators. Bianca still lets me play a few innings – you’ve had me on the bench for years. When you go to Sarah Lawrence, I won’t even be able to watch the game.”
For the time being, a parent should do their best to bask in whatever time they’re able to “watch the game.” So, when my daughter says, “Hey, Dad, can you watch something?” The quote from 10 Things I Hate About You pops into my head before I answer, “Yeah!” So, what are my kids into watching now? Well, it’s a bit of a mixed bag, because both Adelaide and Marshall are both in a newer phase of trying to find new things to watch.
In saying all of that, our parenting also relies on dear friends to help along the way. Our great friend, who we call Aunt Lori, has contributed input recently on shows she thinks our kids might like, even though we haven’t watched them yet. So, let’s do a quick rundown of shows she’s recommended (most available on Netflix).
Friends Helping to Make Recommendations
One Day at a Time
Rating: TV-PG
Seasons: 4 (2017-2020)
Length: 30-minute episodes
One Day at a Time is “a reimagining of a TV classic, a newly single Latina mother raises her teen daughter and tween son with the ‘help’ of her old-school mom.” The original show aired from 1975 to 1984 through 9 seasons and 209 episodes.
The present-day show was highly recognized through the awards’ seasons, earning nominations for GLAAD Media Awards, Image Awards, Teen Choice, People’s Choice, many others, and Emmy, Imagen, and several other wins.
Ugly Betty
Rating: TV-PG*
Seasons: 4 (2006-2010)
Length: 1-hour episodes
Despite its listed rating on IMDB*, Netflix lists Ugly Betty as TV-14, as America Ferrera plays “an aspiring writer [working] her way up the ladder at a fashion magazine, despite her quirky wardrobe choices and doubting coworkers.” This is another hit show recognized with multiple nominations and wins in Emmy, Golden Globe, Image, GLAAD, Imagen, Screen Actors Guild, and many more, including the Peabody Award in 2007.
Although I’ve never watched this show, this is one where its theme of an awkward character finding her way resonates with my introverted and socially awkward personality. Much like any of the shows my friend recommends for my kids, it immediately interests me to dive into, as well, especially if it means the opportunity to watch with them – if they want me to.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Rating: TV-14
Seasons: 8 (2013-2021)
Length: 22-minute episodes
Only 4 seasons are currently available on Netflix, but “in this lighthearted comedy, the quirky detectives of the NYPD’s 99th precinct fight crimes big and small – and cause plenty of chaos along the way.”
The only scene I can recall ever seeing was Andy Samberg’s character strumming a guitar while sitting on a desk and then just screaming. If that’s the kind of humorous chaos you’re looking for, then Brooklyn Nine-Nine might be the “chaotic good” you or your kids are looking for.
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
Rating: TV-14
Seasons: 4 (2015-2019)
Length: 30-minute episodes
I’m not sure if anyone is seeking a comedy where the main character is “a woman rescued from a cult [learning] to live in a big city,” but you can watch Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, a Netflix series with plenty of nominations (and wins) during the awards’ season, including wins for Writers Guild of America, Gracie Allen, Critics’ Choice, Webby, and Black Reel Awards.
If you’re seeking what my friend describes as the main character being “delightfully aloof,” then this might be the series for you.
Recommendations from One Parent to Another
Wipeout
Rating: TV-PG
Seasons: 9 (2008-2025)
Length: 42-minute episodes
Wipeout currently has 30 episodes on Netflix, and although my wife and I had watched some of this series earlier in its run, it has become a recent hit. Literally, I watched a couple episodes today with my son – and he was laughing hysterically. This competition reality TV has brutal impacts and landings as contestants race through a wild obstacle course.
The painful twists and turns of each players’ bodies when they get slammed or fall awkwardly makes this older geeky parent feel like every part of his soul would collapse in a twisting heap at every turn in Wipeout. Nevertheless, the loud cackling from my son’s laughter is nothing short of items listed under: Best Things Ever.
Nailed It
Rating: TV-PG
Seasons: 7 (2018-Present)
Length: 33-minute episodes
Let’s just say my daughter asked me to watch a scene, and then asked me to watch most of the Nailed It episode, “Travel Dos and Donuts,” featuring sisters Joey and Hunter King. On top of the sisters having funny moments together, Adelaide (and myself) could not help but laugh at host Nicole Byer’s internal monologue; also, a host who has been nominated multiple times for an Emmy Award.
This has been a fun show to watch off and on with the kids, because it’s very lighthearted and the contestants are completely understanding when their creations don’t look exactly like what they’re modeling after. It’s a great reminder to not take ourselves too seriously, while also knowing it’s okay to have fun even when we’re not perfect.
Have you seen any of these shows? What are you and your kids watching together – or separately? Have any friends made recommendations for your kids? Share them with us online!
Thanks for reading, friends! Until next time, happy parenting and happy geeking!
